Chapitre 1: Intro - Chapter 1 - Gloomy Present and Perilious Future
March 31st, 1978
The gloom of March hung heavily over Lestrange Manor, a place where the very walls seemed to whisper secrets of old magic and darker deeds. The ancient manor, with its gothic spires piercing the leaden sky, sat nestled in a remote corner of Wiltshire, its vast grounds choked with gnarled trees and shadowy paths that led nowhere pleasant. The air was thick with a foreboding mist, and the once-grand estate seemed to be perpetually shrouded in twilight.
Inside, the manor was a labyrinth of dark, polished wood and dimly lit corridors, each lined with portraits of stern-faced ancestors who seemed to disapprove of anyone who dared tread their domain. The largest of these portraits hung in the grand foyer, depicting a black crow perched on a golden clown-like structure. Beneath it, the words "Corvus oculum corvi non eruit" were written, a testament to the Lestrange family's legacy and their unyielding commitment to pureblood supremacy.
In a room adorned with heavy, dark drapes of black ravens and green snakes and an ornate fireplace, Corvus Lestrange, a seven-year-old with striking black hair and equally dark eyes, sat across from his grandfather, Mr. Lestrange. The two were engrossed in a complex game of wizard's chess. The pieces moved with sentient aggression, reflecting the intensity of their match. A large, intricately carved board separated them, the game teetering on a knife's edge as the chess pieces clashed with each other.
Corvus hummed a soft, eerie tune, the melody intertwining with the crackling of the fire and the occasional thud of the wooden chess pieces being forcefully taken. The room was filled with the subtle aroma of Earl Grey tea, steaming cups placed on a low table beside them. Suddenly, the fireplace turned green, and Rudolphus and Bellatrix entered the room through the Floo. Bellatrix waved her wand to vanish the soot from their clothes. Judging by their attire, Corvus knew they had returned from a raid. He gave a silent prayer for the unfortunates who had lost their lives today, then quickly refocused on the game. The Lestrange couple engaged in a heated argument, their voices echoing through the room as they walked to the next room.
"We're late again, Bella! I told you to hurry. Sometimes you forget your duty," said Rudolphus as he followed his wife into the next room. Their argument continued, their words carrying clearly through the house.
"I have done my duty, Rudolphus," Bellatrix's voice cut through the air, sharp and defiant. "I have given you an heir. What more do you want from me? The house-elves can care for him."
Rudolphus's response was equally fierce. "An heir is not just a name, Bella. Corvus needs to be molded, trained. He must understand the weight of our legacy, the glory of our cause. The Dark Lord requires our full dedication, and that includes ensuring our son is ready to serve."
Corvus's hand hovered over his queen, considering his next move, while the argument between his parents raged on. His attention was solely on the chessboard, as if the argument was inconsequential.
Bellatrix and Rudolphus reentered the room as Corvus prepared his move with the bishop. He had already sacrificed a rook before, this time a bishop, but some sacrifices were necessary. He awaited his grandfather to take the bait.
"You think I don't know that?" Bellatrix's voice sharpened further. She had changed into a brown dress reminiscent of 18th-century England. "But I am doing everything in my power to serve our Lord. My body, mind, and soul are his. It's only my worries about Corvus that keep me from dedicating myself entirely to our cause. Thank Merlin, he is not like those needy kids." Bellatrix gulped a bottle of potion that was placed near the bookcase and gave one to her husband.
"Your dedication to the Dark Lord is evident," Rudolphus replied coldly as he gulped the potion. "But our duty extends beyond mere servitude. We must ensure that Corvus embodies the ideals of pureblood supremacy. He is not just a burden; he is our future."
Corvus finally moved his queen, capturing one of his grandfather's rooks. The old man nodded approvingly, a rare smile playing on his lips.
Bellatrix's laugh was bitter. "Future? He is a chain around my neck, Rudolphus. If it were not for him, I could be at our Lord's side constantly, rather than wasting time here."
Rudolphus's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Mind your words, Bella. Corvus is our legacy, the next in line. He is as much a Black as a Lestrange, and you are his mother. Do care for what you say."
"You speak as if you care," Bellatrix scoffed. "But you are as absent as I am, running off to attend raids and meetings. Our son is left in the care of house-elves and portraits. Is this how we nurture our future?"
"I am a man. It's not my duty. Besides, I am busy following the Dark Lord's orders," Rudolphus replied stiffly.
Corvus's grandfather made a thoughtful move, positioning his knight. "Check," he declared calmly.
Corvus leaned on his palm, shifting to the left as his hand rested on the armrest, while his other fingers tapped the other armrest in rhythmic beats as he thought of his next and consequent moves.
As he played his move and waited for his grandfather's next, Corvus's attention was caught by the mention of familiar names by his mother.
Bellatrix spat out the words, "Sirius Black, the white sheep of the Black family. Andromeda, the traitor. And now James Potter, consorting with that mudblood, Lily Evans."
"Traitors, all of them," Rudolphus agreed. "But the Dark Lord will deal with them. He already bested Charles and Dorea Potter last year. If Dumbledore hadn't intervened, their entire line would have been wiped out."
Mr. Lestrange leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "Oh, you do remember the duel last year, don't you?" he asked, collecting the gift horse that was the bishop his grandson had offered with his queen. His voice tinged with a rare sadness. "The Potters were formidable. Dorea and Charles fought with a ferocity that even caught the Dark Lord off guard."
Rudolphus exclaimed, "I remember Bellatrix's excitement, how she raved about seeing our Lord fight for the first time."
"I admit it," Bellatrix's voice cut in, sharp and nostalgic. "My blood boiled with excitement. But Dorea Potter bested me in our duel. She was fierce, and they were tired after fighting so many of our allies, yet they still managed to hold their ground. The Dark Lord did give them a chance, but they spat on it, so the Dark Lord had no choice but to give them a merciful end. But they certainly gave us a fight. If it hadn't been for Dumbledore's arrival, Fleamont and Euphemia would have fallen too."
Corvus smiled as his grandfather took the bait, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "Check and mate," he announced softly, his voice barely above a whisper. His grandfather studied the board curiously, a look of respect in his eyes.
His grandson had always been mature for his age, but it seemed he still underestimated him.
Mr. Lestrange interrupted the argument of his son and daughter-in-law, his tone firm. "Rudolphus, Bellatrix, there is another matter to discuss. I believe it would be prudent for Corvus to relocate with me to our manor in France, it is near Lord Black's outhouse. The revolution is ongoing, and it would be safer for Corvus there. Besides, you two are very busy, and this will free you to perform your duties with utmost dedication."
Bellatrix hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. If it means he will be properly prepared, I do not have any issues."
Rudolphus's agreement was more reluctant, but he conceded. "Fine. But he must not be coddled. He needs to be strong."
"Good. I will make the preparations," smiled Mr. Lestrange, clearly content with their decision. "By the way, where is Rabastan? Isn't he supposed to visit today?"
"He is with Regulus and Barty, Father. After the raid, Regulus felt tired, so they went to a bar to cheer him up," replied Rudolphus.
"Hmph. Regulus is a good boy. It was the correct decision to make him Corvus's godfather," said Bellatrix.
"Yes, indeed. Regulus is a good choice," Mr. Lestrange conceded. "But remember, not everyone can be as ruthless as you two. Even within the ranks, we must temper strength with wisdom."
"Regulus is soft," Bellatrix remarked. "But I will make him strong. Unlike Sirius, who was cast out like the filth he is."
"And what of Corvus?" Rudolphus queried. "You say Regulus is soft, but your own son shows signs of an eccentric Ravenclaw more than a Slytherin. He draws these curious paintings that I cannot fathom, sings strange tunes that I've never heard, chats with house-elves which I never bothered with, and sleeps on trees in
our yard, which is quite unbecoming for a Lestrange or Black."
"He is my son, and I know what I am doing," Bellatrix's voice was icy. "His brilliance may seem odd to you, but it's a mark of his genius. He is a Black and a Lestrange. He will grow to be a formidable wizard, mark my words."
Corvus silently listened, the praise and scrutiny from his parents rolling off him like water off a duck's back. He had long learned to hide his true thoughts behind a mask of indifference.
As the fire crackled and the argument simmered down to an uneasy truce, Corvus's mind was already moving three steps ahead, planning his next game of chess, both on the board and in the dangerous world his family would thrust him into.
His musings were interrupted by his grandfather. "Corvy, it was a brilliant game. I was caught off guard by you. Anyways, get your stuff ready, we will be leaving tonight. I will show you around my manor tomorrow, and the very next day we will be off to France."
"As you wish, Grandfather. I will get ready." Corvus got up and made his way to his room.
He was thinking of his so-called parents and grandfather, lamenting the fact that both his parents had changed over the years. His mother had become more cold, inconsiderate, ruthless, and somewhat mad as time went on, while his father was becoming more incompetent and obsessed. He sighed as he thought of his godfather. The last time he saw him, he had just returned from his first raid with his mother. From the looks of it, his godfather hated it but complied with his crazy cousin and cousin-in-law. Corvus wished that he could spend more time with him.
"Cherry!" Corvus called out.
A house-elf wearing pink-colored drapes popped in.
"Could you please pack my clothes and belongings into a trunk, leave some of them, but do pack all the books and notebooks?" Corvus asked Cherry.
"Yes, little master, I will do it right away," Cherry responded.
Corvus sat by the window and looked at the stars above. Life tired him sometimes. The stars were twinkling as they always did. He gazed at the stars whenever he needed to think and ponder about the future. His ponderings were interrupted as Bellatrix, his mother, entered the room. She approached Corvus, her expression unreadable.
"Corvus, we need to talk," she said.
Corvus turned to look at his mother. "Yes, Mother?"
She sighed, sitting down next to him. "I married your father because it was expected of me. It wasn't my choice, nor was it what I remotely wanted. But our family demanded it, and I complied. Understand, Corvus, that my heart belongs to the Dark Lord. But that does not mean I do not care for you."
Corvus listened quietly, his eyes thoughtful.
Bellatrix continued, her voice softening slightly. "Sometimes, I miss my sisters. Even Andromeda, though she betrayed us by marrying that mudblood. She was a fool, tricked by sweet words and empty promises. It must have been a conspiracy against our family. Still, those memories linger."
She paused, collecting her thoughts. "You will be moving to the outhouse in France with your grandfather. Lord Black's outhouse is also there in France. You can meet him, and it will be safer while the revolution is ongoing here. You must pack what you need. We will meet again at the Halloween Gathering, where I hope to introduce you to the Dark Lord formally."
Corvus nodded, understanding the gravity of her words.
Bellatrix's gaze hardened. "You know, the Dark Lord met you once when you were three. You did not cry or show fear. The Dark Lord was pleased. I was proud of you then, and I hope to be proud of you again. Show him that you are strong, that you are worthy of the Lestrange name."
Corvus felt a strange mix of emotions but remained silent. As he began to gather his belongings, he thought of the Day of Revelation, his hair at the back of his neck rising whenever he remembered those unnerving red eyes.
Bellatrix watched him closely, her expression a mask of conflicting emotions.
"Remember," she said softly, "you are a Lestrange and a Black. Our bloodline is pure, our legacy unyielding. You must be prepared for what lies ahead. You may take your raven and the house-elf with you. Write to me when you are in France. Everything will be fine once we win."
Bellatrix left in a hurry, her emotions unreadable. Corvus wondered whether the insurgency his mother so called a revolution could be called a revolution in the first place.
Corvus sighed and rose from his seat, a subtle shimmer of magic following him. The notebook on the table and some of his paintings slowly transformed into delicate petals of roses and dried leaves, falling gently to the floor, the remnants of his art scattered in the room, as Corvus contemplated what lay ahead and what he should do.
"So many things to do, so little time. Between all this excitement, fear, and acting, I think I might lose my mind. Do I need Black madness for this? Is this how transmigrators feel when they are shoved into books? When was Harry Potter born again?" thought Corvus dryly.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone